Raid on Rochester Home Leads to Major Drug Dealing Bust

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A convicted drug dealer is facing new charges following a significant cocaine bust in Rochester. 

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He made his first appearance in Olmsted County Court on Friday morning. 

The charges say law enforcement found the large stash of drugs while executing a search warrant at the suspect’s home on Wednesday. 

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Search Warrant Leads to Charges Against Convicted Rochester, MN Drug Dealer

Prior to executing the search warrant, Rochester police were conducting surveillance at the northwest Rochester home of 36-year-old Mason David Zill. 

Law enforcement saw multiple people come and go from the home, which the complaint says was an indicator of drug dealing activity. Investigators then saw Zill leave the home in a vehicle. 

Police stopped Zill and at the same time, investigators entered the home to execute the search warrant. Investigators found two baggies containing a large amount of suspected cocaine that weighed out to 29 grams, the complaint alleges. 

Law enforcement also found multiple digital scales with cocaine residue, a spoon and empty plastic baggies, items that are indicative of drug sales, according to the court document. Zill also had $692 in cash on him. 

Officers also found messages and money transactions between Zill and a person with cocaine at the end of January on the person’s phone, the complaint says. 

Zill is charged with one count of first-degree drug sales and a count of second-degree drug possession. Court records indicate Zill was convicted of first-degree sales in March of 2023. 

Zill is being held on $25,000 conditional bail. He’s due back in court next month.